Deadline for National Sheep Welfare Scheme approaching
Farmers are being reminded that the deadline for the National Sheep Welfare Scheme is fast approaching.
The 2026 National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) opened for applications on April 1, 2026.
The 2026 NSWS, which has an approved budget of €22 million, is a continuation and expansion of a similar scheme that operated in 2025.
Applications for the 2026 scheme will close on May 15, 2026.
Payments
Anne O’Malley of Teagasc Mayo has advised farmers that completion of three chosen actions is mandatory for full payment of up to €13.
When combined with the Sheep Improvement Scheme, total payments of €25 per ewe are delivered.
"Actions undertaken are in respect of the payable number of eligible ewes selected at application, which is determined on previous years (2023-2025) census numbers," O'Malley explained.
"Farmers must complete actions by the chosen date of either October 13, 2026 or the later date of November 24, 2026.
"Applicants should note that this later date will result in later processing of payment."
She has advised farmers to complete actions in full, along with retaining all dockets or receipts, scheme action record sheets, and all supporting documentation for the one-year duration of the scheme plus one additional year.
Scheme actions
O'Malley explained that there are five actions in the scheme and farmers must complete two actions from Category A, which are mandatory, and one action from Category B, which is voluntary.
"If a farmer does not wish to undertake a voluntary or optional action, they can still apply by selecting and completing two mandatory actions, in which case they receive a lower payment of €8 per ewe," she said.
Farmers opting for the Category A shearing action must complete it in full by completion date chosen at application stage and provide documentary evidence of its completion, including completion of the scheme actions record sheet provided.
Body condition scoring (BCS) of breeding ewes is also a Category A action and "has a significant effect on performance and productivity", O'Malley said.
"Farmers who choose this action must conduct scoring on all ewes twice, with an interval of eight weeks between assessments," she said
"Complete the first BCS between April 15 and July 15 and the second BCS between August 1 and completion date chosen at application stage.
"BCS identifies ewes that are thin and not thriving and these ewes can receive preferential treatment, including housing, access to better quality grass, forage and/or supplementation."
Vaccination
Applicants to the NSWS 2026 can choose to complete either clostridial or bluetongue vaccination in consultation with their vet.
"Clostridial diseases affect sheep of all ages depending on the strain and vaccination will help protect from potentially fatal bacterial infections," O'Malley said.
"Farmers must complete action by the selected date chosen at application stage.
"If breeding ewes are not in receipt of a clostridial vaccination, you may vaccinate lambs as an alternative, from three weeks-of-age and a second booster no later than four to six weeks after the first vaccination."
Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges and can cause significant economic losses, particularly in sheep, and vaccination reduces severity and virus levels but may not give complete protection, O'Malley said.
"Vaccinations that are currently available for purchase in Ireland will only be effective against bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) and there are three BTV-3 vaccines authorised for use in Ireland under licence.
"Farmers may obtain BTV vaccines from their veterinary practitioner, under licence from the department."
Optional actions
Foot bathing and plunge dipping to control external parasites are optional Category B actions.
"Complete [the] foot bathing action at least twice over the period from April 1 to completion date chosen at application stage and leave a two-week interval between events," O'Malley explained.
"The updated 2026 NSWS terms and conditions allows the use of copper sulphate or zinc sulphate to improve overall hoof health and thus reduce lameness in sheep.
"Where the primary purpose of the footbath is to control harmful organisms and prevent infection spreading, it must contain an appropriate registered biocidal product."
Farmers are urged to follow all label instructions and precautions when using biocidal products to protect human, animal health and the environment.
O'Malley said plunge dipping can be carried out on-farm where the flock owner has their own plunge dip, or by a mobile plunge dipping service operator.
"Plunge showering will not be acceptable as an alternative to plunge dipping," she added.
Farmers should check out best practice sheep dipping guidelines under the Sustainable Use Directive, Department of Agriculture cross-compliance requirements and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) "well in advance of operation".
"Follow all label instructions and precautions when using sheep dip products to protect human, animal health and the environment," O'Malley said.
